So, Your Child Was Diagnosed With Autism…Now What?

I understand your jumble of emotions, desire for a guided path, and most of all…for HOPE.

I was in your exact place two decades ago. My youngest son, David, has autism and Tourette syndrome. He barely spoke at age three and battled processing, comprehension, and analytical challenges. Yet, he is now happy and fulfilled 24-year-old teacher…in language arts, no less! Together, we formed a team and found what worked for him. Seeking to help others in the same quest, David and I have co-authored our life journey and have evolved into public speaking. Dave is a sought-after motivational speaker who has presented in multiple states to students, parents/community groups, and professionals; he has even delivered a TEDx Talk. These are accomplishments beyond what most “typical” persons achieve, especially at David’s age.

Let me share with you some of the lessons I learned that I feel made a difference in David’s outcome:

Begin multi-disciplinary interventions as soon as possible

Early intervention is key to progress

Never stop networking!

Leads to information, resources, support, ideas, and OPPORTUNITIES

Observe therapies and volunteer in classrooms as often as possible

Firsthand observations give unique insights

Involve your child in activities he/she enjoys

Assists in developing communication and social skills

Assists in making friends and finding a social niche

Helps to perfect talents and skills, aiding in enhanced self-esteem

May ultimately lead to a career path!

Anticipate, research, and prepare for the child’s next phase of life (or even two or more stages ahead!)

Prevents missed opportunities

Enables being prepared when you get there

Research or propose options, and advocate for deviations: ideally, customize education

Parents are key members of the intervention team: be actively involved!

Slighting your needs and desires will not help your child and family (or you!)

Enjoy the unique, gifted, and wonderful person that your child is!

You may be amazed by the dreams he or she can attain!

To read about specific examples of the above, as well as about other challenges, solutions, AND blessings from the toddler years through college, consider reading our book, Expect a Miracle: A Mother/Son Asperger Journey of Determination and Triumph. It enables readers to experience life from the separate perspectives of a person with autism AND his mother, thus enabling an intricate understanding.

I have learned so much about the human spirit and about what is truly important in life…and our adventure continues!

I wish you similar discoveries and joy!

Sandy Petrovic, RN, BSN, proud mother of three, is a registered nurse, author, and public speaker who is a tutor/instructional advisor at the Notre Dame College Academic Support Center. She gleans perspectives from working with many learning differences, besides the practical experience of raising a son on the autism spectrum. She is also a co-chair of the Milestones National Autism Conference.